January 26, 2009

fun with my girls

In this shot, we're at our big dinner - the tall blond in the middle is the amazing designer we all work with. She has been in the industry for well over 30 years. If you know anything about fashion or the apparel industry, then you know the average life of a designer in LA is something like 3 years. Well, Carol has been doing it successfully for 30 YEARS! Her very first order was from Nordstrom - can you believe it? I know there are several indy designers that read my blog...so you will appreciate how HUGE that is! Her relationship with Nordies grew, and she took her collection to Nieman Marcus etc. She had several of her pieces featured on the cover of the Nordstrom catalogs, with double trunk ads over the years (for those non-industry types, this is a big deal).

To know Carol is to see a completely humble person with an amazing talent. She and her husband have grown the business with a 'cash only' philosophy - making it incredibly stable in economic hard times (like we're seeing right now). Can you imagine manufacturing millions of garments, shipping millions of garments, warehousing millions of garments, having a staff of hundreds...and doing it 'cash only' (in other words, 100% debt free!)? AMAZING. I think I want to grow up to be Carol!

I think of Carol as a rock star. I've been in her company several times, and always feel myself getting tongue tied and all hot and nervous. If you know me, that is really odd! She is the real deal. On so many levels, she is honestly THE REAL DEAL.

I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work for this company. I don't ever want to take it for granted, and try very hard to preserve the integrity that is built into the foundation of the company. The gals I work with at this amazing company are a big reason why I love it so much. (of course, I do love the clients too!) I only get to really spend time and be with these girls 2 times a year. We all work for the same designer, so when we get together to launch new collections - there is a risk of a little "going crazy". We all get along so well - I wish we all lived closer together so we could hang out more!

This photo is one of me and my girlfriend Tracey. We met each other a hundred years ago when we worked for 'another apparel company'. It's all her fault that I am sitting here, doing what I am doing today. I call her one of my 'inside circle' friends. One of those people I tell all the life stuff to. We've been through it together over the years...she has always supported me (regardless of what other people might say - she loves me (and my hubby) and been one of my loudest cheerleaders.

WHAT I WAS WEARINGI don't think I have any head to toe photos of my outfit, I was too engrossed in drinking champagne and spending time with my friends...I will say that my outfit was stinkin' cute (if I do say so myself). A flirty short Betsy Johnson skirt, Black turtleneck (yes, this is one of my winter staples), multiple strands of pink pearls (by Ali Oesch), a butter soft black Doncaster leather jacket (love love this rocker chic jacket!), and Luechese cowboy boots.

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Kathy Friend

About Kathy

Kathy is passionate about helping you discover and cultivate your own personal style personality and professional image. She has a knack for quickly defining wardrobe frustrations, and understanding the link between image and personal (and professional) success. Her ability to explain proper fit, select the right color palate and define style makes her a valuable resource for stay-at-home-moms, corporate executives, politicians and television personalities.

Philosophy

“Style is an expression of who you are – an extension of your personality. Projecting the best image possible makes a person a better friend, spouse, parent, employee and above all – a better leader.”

Background

At the age when most young girls were dressing up their dolls, Kathy dressed up and styled her friends. Her talent for creating eye-catching looks continued throughout her high school and college years and began to include her career.

Kathy earned a Bachelors Degree from Indiana State University, and a Masters Degree from Davenport University. Her professional background includes over 20 years as a Marketing professional with specific expertise in media and advertising to reach women.

Kathy’s experience as a buyer, designer rep, advertising, marketing and social media provides her with an advantage over her competition. In 1994 she began to merge her “hobby” with her professional life; from there her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to create her own company: Kathy Friend , Image Consultant.

Awards, Certifications and Training

DCC Certified Color Expert

CIC Trained Image Consultant

Body Shape Type Expert

Individual Style Definition Certification

Psychology of Clothing and Business Certification / Expert

Dove Campaign for Beauty - facilitator

SHORE Magazine - Regional Style Icon (Chicago)

AICI - recognized Image Consultant

Kathy is one of the certified image consultants (CIC) that is part of Shari Braendel’s Fashion Meets Faith workshop team, a nationally known speaking team.

Print Media, Television and Radio

Kathy is the Fashion Editor of The Family Magazine and is a contributor to Sassy Magazine, BOOM Magazine, Michiana Man and Be The Boss Magazine.She has also written articles that have appeared in Wedding Day Magazine, and BlissfulStyle.com.Since 2009, Kathy has been the key editor of the Goodwill of Michiana’s “Goodwill Tips” blog.

In addition to writing, Kathy has been quoted in local, regional and national publications including: The Elkhart Truth, The South Bend Tribune, Tribune Business Weekly, CNN, InMichiana, and LAKE Magazine.

Since 2007 Kathy has made regular appearances as a fashion and style expert on morning news programs.She has appeared on the Fox59 Morning News Show (Indianapolis), WSJV Fox 28 Morning News Show (Elkhart), WSBT Morning Show (South Bend), and the WNDU16 Morning News (South Bend). She has also appeared on The Harvest Show and on international television via WHME-TV.From 2010 - 2012 she was heard on a weekly radio segment on WFRN’s Family Friendly Morning Show with Doug & Vincy (Elkhart).She has also been heard on B100 Radio, QMix Radio, and on PULSE FM.

Associations

Kathy is a member of:

The Junior League of South Bend, IN / Indianapolis, IN

The Bloomington (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

For nearly 30 years, Kathy has been an active member of her community; actively volunteering with St. Margaret’s House (South Bend, IN), Granger Community Church (Granger, IN), and offered her time and fund raising skills as a dancer for the Center for the Homeless (South Bend, IN) annual event, Dancing With Our Stars Miracle Auction.